Libraries, Industrial Relations, Labour Productivity and National Development

Abstract

Purpose: The study was designed to examine the position of libraries in promoting industrial relations and labour productivity for national development. Design/Methodology/Approach: As a theoretical discourse, the definitions and concepts of industrial relations, labour productivity and national development were discussed and fully examined. The centrality of libraries in promoting collective bargaining between employers and employees for productivity to resource economy for national development was x-rayed. Findings: The study identified that, the free-flow of relevant and adequate information mediated and provided by the library in any given industry is an ingredient for human resource development. Such information will inform the labour force and promote collective bargaining, thereby establishing good industrial relationship between employer and employee. Such relations will invariably set in labour productivity and national development. Implication: The purpose(s) of industrial relations are for the protection of the interest of workers, social equality and creating perfect working conditions for maximum output. There should be labour force for maximum output (productivity) to be achieved. Productivity is the creation of utilities; it is a central determinant for standard of living that resource economic growth. It is therefore implied that without the free-flow of relevant information provided by libraries in any given industry will negate collective bargaining and consequently set in low productivity – which is a vicious cycle of poverty in which many nations are confined in today. Originality/Value: Its value lies on the recommended that Libraries and Librarians in any organisation should be properly managed to providing meaningful information that will steer concrete national development.